What’s the best way to negotiate something BIG when you’re worried that both parties are just going to end up in stalemate? Woof! That’s never a fun spot to be in.

In short, not fun. I hope you never find yourself in this situation, but it can happen when negotiating a contract with a new client or when an employee or contractor wants to renegotiate their terms. Or even in your personal relationships with friends and loved ones… or when you’re buying a car. (shudder!) But let’s focus on the business side in today’s conversation.

Earlier this week, I spoke with Roger Jackson, all about how to (actually) keep calm and carry on. And while we were talking about what to do when people (or situations) trigger you and send you in a tailspin of panic, anxiety or stress, it made me think of the many, many times I’ve found myself having to negotiate something really big and scary in my work, or in a board meeting, or even in a big pitch presentation.

And here’s what I realized… being assertive is key. 

It’s a skill that I’m constantly working on and let’s be clear, by no means have I mastered it yet. It’s taken me 42 years so far and I’m guessing it’ll take another 42 before I feel like I’ve really figured out.

Here are 4 simple guidelines for how you negotiate when in stalemate:

• do your homework on them 
• do your homework on yourself 
• aim to solve it together
• make the first move

You can do this, I believe in you.

It’s time to SIMPLIFY.

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/how-to-negotiate-when-in-stalemate